Advertising and marketing
Summary of research on party pills
This paper summarises recent research findings on BZP/party pills, and outlines the current legislative status of BZP. It is being made available to assist organisations or people wanting to make submissions on the proposal to reclassify BZP and its analogues.
Terms of reference for liquor review released
Justice Minister Mark Burton and Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor today released the terms of reference for the Government's review of the sale and supply of liquor to under-18-year-olds. The review's goals are to determine the harm caused by the sale and supply of liquor to minors, evaluate the effectiveness of current restrictions and develop proposals that might be necessary to address the causes of harm. The project will also include a review of the provisions of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 relating to the sale and supply to minors. "The impact of underage drinking is significant for our communities and young people. This is why it's critical that we have a complete and factual picture of how under-18-year-olds are getting alcohol and accompanying trends," Mark Burton said. "The scope of the review will mean that the underlying causes of harm to youth arising from drinking are fully canvassed; and that detailed proposals are developed to address the problems," Damien O'Connor said. "The review will comprise two phases," Damien O'Connor said. "The first phase will consist of research and analysis. Phase two will set out options and recommendations for reform for Cabinet to consider. Cabinet will finalise the timeline so that the matter is progressed this year." "The debate that took place in November around Government MP Martin Gallagher's Bill concerning underage drinking highlighted a need for a focused review looking specifically at the effectiveness of current restrictions applying to under 18 year-olds," Mark Burton said.
Reassessment of methylated spirits (Submission)
The New Zealand Drug Foundation recognises that the use of common household substances for intoxication is a difficult drug taking behaviour to legislate and regulate for.We support the proposal to replace the current methylated spirits sold to the public with another formulation, as outlined in the proposal. The evidence presented in the application clearly outlines the adverse effects and analysis of risks that are associated with the ingestion of methylated spirits including: fire damage to people and/or property; eye damage; visual impairment, or blindness from chronic or acute consumption; damage to reproductive organs; foetal developmental effects and in some cases death. We support any pragmatic and practical measures that help reduce the risks from deliberate consumption of methylated spirits.
Review on advertising regulation (Submission)
The New Zealand Drug Foundation welcomes this review. This review is particularly important as it comes at a time when this country is debating how best to tackle our drinking culture, and regionally and internationally there is increasing concern about the impact of alcohol on communities and the role marketing plays in that.
Alcohol advertising and sponsorship (Evidence review)
There is now a considerable body of research that shows how alcohol advertising influences children and young people. Advertising encourages positive perceptions about alcohol, typical drinkers, and how much other people drink. These perceptions help shape their subsequent drinking behaviour. Studies reviewed below show children becoming aware of alcohol brands and influenced by alcohol advertising at a very young age.
Alcohol advertising policy in New Zealand (Evidence review)
The sale of alcohol in New Zealand has been controlled by legislation since 1842. In contrast, the advertising and marketing of alcohol is left to the industries involved to ‘self-regulate’. Until the 1980s alcohol was not advertising on broadcast media, which were a state owned industry. Television advertising for off-licensed outlets was first permitted in 1981, followed by sports sponsorship or corporate advertising by alcohol companies from 1987. These changes occurred in parallel with the commercialisation of broadcasting, as part of a political programme of deregulation and a reduced role for the state (EDC 1987; Boston, Martin et al. 1991). From 1992, full alcohol brand advertising was permitted after 9 pm in exchange for free airtime for alcohol health promotion ads.
International alcohol advertising policies (Report)
In its 2004 Global Status Report: Alcohol policy, the World Health Organization presented survey information on regulation and self-regulation of alcohol advertising and sponsorship in its member countries. While legislative restrictions are common, few countries prohibit all forms of alcohol advertising.1 Some 23% to 31% of the 117 responding countries have implemented partial restrictions, either by medium – most usually restricting alcohol advertising on television and radio – and/or by beverage type – most usually restricting advertising of distilled spirits. The mix ranges from 44% restricting beer ads on national radio to 60% restricting spirits ads on national television. Around 15% rely on industry voluntary codes alone, which focus on ad content. A significant number of countries have no restrictions or rules on alcohol advertising.
Eight point plan for action on alcohol (Policy paper)
Alcohol is not just another consumer product. It is a powerful and potentially toxic psychoactive drug which, when misused, has high social and economic costs for the whole community. Alcohol is the fifth leading cause of death globally (third in 'western/developed' nations). In New Zealand, over 1000 deaths are attributed to alcohol every year.
